The Singapore Manufacturing PMI in December rose to 50.3 from the previous reading of 50.2. This indicates a slight improvement in the manufacturing sector’s economic health.
In currency movements, the EUR/USD is stabilising around 1.1750 as the US Dollar weakens. Similarly, GBP/USD is trading at approximately 1.3490, showing modest gains following the New Year break.
Gold Market Trends
Gold experienced sharp retreats from the $4,400 level, stabilising around $4,320. Despite the retreat, expectations for a less aggressive Federal Reserve and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties persist.
Cardano is gaining momentum, trading above $0.36 on improving market data. This suggests higher bullish interest, with focus on an upside breakout.
For 2026 and 2027, a solid economic performance is anticipated in advanced economies. The previous year’s resilience sets a positive tone for the future outlook, with continued supportive factors.
The crypto market’s volatility in 2025 was influenced by new U.S. regulations and technological advancements. These factors are paving the way for developments in the coming year.
Top Forex and CFD Brokers
Several forex and CFD brokers are highlighted as top choices for trading in 2026. Various considerations such as spreads, leverage, and regulatory standards are important for traders.
We are seeing a slow start to the new year, with thin trading conditions as everyone returns from the holiday break. The slight increase in Singapore’s manufacturing PMI to 50.3 is a minor positive, but it isn’t enough to drive major moves yet. This contrasts with the final Caixin China General Manufacturing PMI for December 2025, which recently printed at a slightly weaker 50.1, showing modest but uneven expansion in the region.
All eyes are now on the upcoming US jobs report for December 2025, which will be the first major catalyst of the year. Economists are forecasting the non-farm payrolls number to come in around 160,000, a figure that could heavily influence the Federal Reserve’s path. A significantly weaker number would fuel bets on earlier rate cuts, while a strong report could challenge the current market narrative.
The market is running with the idea of a dovish Fed, which has been pushing the US Dollar lower and assets like gold higher. In fact, fed funds futures are currently pricing in a greater than 70% probability of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve’s June 2026 meeting. This makes buying options to position for a surprise in the jobs data an attractive strategy to manage risk around this core assumption.
Gold is holding at very high levels, recently touching the $4,400 area before settling around $4,320. We saw gold rally over 25% during 2025, and its strength is built on expectations of a weaker dollar and persistent geopolitical tensions. Traders should watch for volatility as a strong US jobs number could cause a sharp, albeit perhaps temporary, pullback in the metal.
We see the US dollar’s weakness reflected in EUR/USD, which has climbed back toward 1.1750. The pair’s next move will depend on both the US jobs data and next week’s preliminary Eurozone inflation print for December 2025. Meanwhile, GBP/USD remains stuck below the 1.3500 level, likely waiting for a clear directional signal from the US economy.
